Reclamation actually begins in the planning stages before drilling any wells or starting construction. In fact, a comprehensive land reclamation plan is a mandatory part of a company’s application for government approval of an oil sands project. Once approval is received, reclamation activities begin almost immediately and are closely monitored and reported on throughout the facility’s life.
Land reclamation includes things like contouring the ground to encourage vegetation growth and replacing soil and other organic materials that were salvaged prior to facility construction. There is also seeding or planting of native vegetation, which is then monitored to see how well it grows on site.
Best practices continue to evolve as companies find ways to restore disturbed land more quickly and effectively, helping trees and shrubs thrive and wildlife to return sooner.
Find out more about land reclamation at in situ sites from Clayton Dubyk, Reclamation Lead at Canadian Natural.
Learn more about oil sands innovations at cosia.ca/blog
